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Black-and-yellow rockfish (Sebastes chrysomelas) — Sebastidae

Black-and-yellow rockfish

Sebastes chrysomelas
Family: Sebastidae

The Black-and-yellow rockfish (Sebastes chrysomelas) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 39 cm.

Length
39 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–37.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Northeast Pacific; rocky intertidal and coastal areas.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The black-and-yellow rockfish is a rockfish (Sebastidae) from the northeastern Pacific. The species has a stocky, dark olive-brown body with yellow blotches. It lives territorially in holes and crevices of rocky areas, from the intertidal zone to a few tens of metres depth. As a predator it takes crustaceans, molluscs and small fishes. It is livebearing: the eggs develop inside the female. The fin spines carry venom and can cause painful wounds.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Black-and-yellow rockfish?

The Black-and-yellow rockfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Dark with yellow blotches; territorial, ovoviviparous redfish with venomous fin spines.

Where does the Black-and-yellow rockfish live?

The Black-and-yellow rockfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Pacific; rocky intertidal and coastal areas.

How big does the Black-and-yellow rockfish get?

The Black-and-yellow rockfish grows to a maximum of about 39 cm.

Is the Black-and-yellow rockfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Black-and-yellow rockfish is harmless to humans. The fin spines carry venom; a sting causes intense, burning pain and swelling. Immerse the wound in hot water (about 45 C) for 30-90 minutes to break down the venom, remove spine fragments and seek medical care.

Is the Black-and-yellow rockfish edible?

Yes, the Black-and-yellow rockfish is commonly eaten.

More photos

Black-and-yellow rockfish (Sebastes chrysomelas) — Sebastidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Yinan Li, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Black-and-yellow rockfish (Sebastes chrysomelas) — Sebastidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Zach Fratello, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Black-and-yellow rockfish (Sebastes chrysomelas) — Sebastidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Chad King (SIMoN / MBNMS) (Public domain)
Black-and-yellow rockfish (Sebastes chrysomelas) — Sebastidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Matthew Bokach, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Black-and-yellow rockfish verified
Scientific name
Sebastes chrysomelas
Family
Sebastidae
Other names
Rockfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
39.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
37.0 verified
Natural range
Northeast Pacific; rocky intertidal and coastal areas. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Crustaceans, molluscs and small fishes sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
22.0 verified
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Dark with yellow blotches; territorial, ovoviviparous redfish with venomous fin spines. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
The fin spines carry venom; a sting causes intense, burning pain and swelling. Immerse the wound in hot water (about 45 C) for 30-90 minutes to break down the venom, remove spine fragments and seek medical care. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Sebastes

More from the family Sebastidae

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